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Prototype Build Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$43 - $64/hr

You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve ... As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype ...

Mondo

Technician

Bedford, MA · On-site

$38 - $47/hr

Senior Electromechanical / Engineering Technician Location: Bedford, MA Location Type: Onsite Start ... Build one-off engineering prototypes from drawings and instructions * Create and modify prototype ...

New

Rivian

Sr. Vehicle Build Technician II

Tustin, CA · On-site

... repair, prototype support, or mechanical technician work. * Moderate to high ability to ... Demonstrated build-in-quality mindset, including raising concerns early, supporting prevention, and ...

Rivian

Sr. Vehicle Build Technician II

Tustin, CA · On-site

... repair, prototype support, or mechanical technician work. * Moderate to high ability to ... Demonstrated build-in-quality mindset, including raising concerns early, supporting prevention, and ...

Emerson

Prototype Technician

Shakopee, MN

$50K - $64K/yr

Emerson is looking for a Prototype Technician to join our team in Shakopee, MN . In this role, you ... Order, manage, and track circuit board components, small tools, and consumable items used to build ...

Emerson

Prototype Technician

Shakopee, MN

$50K - $64K/yr

Emerson is looking for a Prototype Technician to join our team in Shakopee, MN . In this role, you ... Order, manage, and track circuit board components, small tools, and consumable items used to build ...

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Prototype Build Technician information

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$15

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How much do prototype build technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype build technician in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype build technician?

Prototype Build Technicians are skilled professionals who assemble, modify, and test prototype products or components, often in the automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industries. They work closely with engineering teams to interpret technical drawings and specifications, fabricate parts, and perform hands-on assembly of prototype units. Their role is crucial in the early stages of product development, as they help identify design issues and suggest improvements before mass production. Prototype Build Technicians must have strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and experience with various tools and manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype build technician?

To thrive as a Prototype Build Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical assembly, blueprint reading, and hands-on fabrication, typically supported by a technical diploma or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, hand and power tools, and specialized measurement equipment is often required, along with certifications such as IPC or soldering credentials. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help technicians excel in dynamic team environments. These skills and qualifications ensure prototypes are built accurately and efficiently, supporting innovation and product development.

What are some common challenges prototype build technicians face when assembling new product prototypes?

Prototype Build Technicians often encounter the challenge of working with incomplete or evolving design documentation, which requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Because prototypes may use custom or experimental components, Technicians must be comfortable with ambiguity and able to troubleshoot unexpected issues on the fly. Additionally, collaboration with design engineers and other teams is critical, as feedback from the build process frequently leads to real-time design adjustments. This dynamic environment makes communication and attention to detail essential for success.

What is the difference between Prototype Build Technician vs Mechanical Assembler?

AspectPrototype Build TechnicianMechanical Assembler
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications in prototyping or manufacturingHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic mechanical skills training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, prototype workshops, R&D facilitiesAssembly lines, manufacturing plants, production floors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, automotive, R&D firmsElectronics, appliance manufacturing, general assembly industries

The Prototype Build Technician focuses on creating and testing prototypes, often working in specialized labs with advanced tools. In contrast, the Mechanical Assembler primarily assembles products on production lines. While both roles require mechanical skills and similar certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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Prototype Build Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Build Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$43 - $64/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, Prototype Manufacturing is where engineering becomes reality. Our team builds the first aircraft, develops the manufacturing processes, solves complex technical challenges, and establishes the manufacturing foundation that enables scalable production. Every prototype directly influences the future of our products and the capabilities delivered to our customers.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5) to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team. This is not a traditional aerospace technician role. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how our products transition from prototype to production.

As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype Manufacturing by transforming engineering intent into flight-ready hardware while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure our prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.

What you'll do:
  • Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.
  • Perform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
  • Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.
  • Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Partner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
  • Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.
  • Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.
  • Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.
  • Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.
Key responsibilities:
  • Prototype Manufacturing Excellence
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Manufacturing Process Development
  • Cross Functional Leadership
  • Technical Leadership
What success looks like:
  • Deliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.
  • Solve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.
  • Influence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.
  • Develop repeatable manufacturing processes.
  • Mentor technicians and elevate team capability.
Required qualifications:
  • 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.
  • Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience.
  • Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.
  • Experience with engineering development builds.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Military aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.
  • Prototype-to-production transition experience.
  • AS9100 experience.
  • A&P License or equivalent.
  • Military aviation maintenance experience.
  • Leadership or mentoring experience.
Why join Shield AI:

Unlike traditional aerospace manufacturing, our Prototype Manufacturing team works directly alongside Engineering to create the next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll influence design decisions, define manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and build technology that protects those who serve.

Shield AI offers competitive compensation, equity participation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on some of the world's most advanced autonomous aircraft systems.

 
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.